Yesterday I went for a wonderful walk, my usual Sunday walk. It is a 1.25-1.5 mile walk. Ranking-wise, it is easy. The walking surface is varied – gravel, wood walkways, pavement, and grass. So, it is hard to get bored with. The walk was a great exercise and I felt fantastic afterwards. Then....

Two hours later, as I was driving home...I got very tired. My knee started to hurt and swelled up more than usual. I took a couple aspirin. Then I ate lunch, took a shower, and layed on the couch. I iced my knee, figuring it would do some good.

The rest of the night, my knee hurt and stayed more swollen than usual. I iced it again for awhile. I feel like I am coming down with a cold, too. I'll have to fight that, too. This is tiring.

Today, my knee still has increased swelling (even though I iced it earlier), some tingling from my damaged nerve, and has pain on and off.  I'll ice it some more.

I'm so tired of this. I'm grateful for the surgery, but this recuperation process has got the best of me today. It's tiring and ticks me off so much – I'm depressed. I know it could be much worse and feel bad about griping about it. So why am I? I know as time goes on, things will work out. These negative emotions are just temporary.

I want to get things done, but live upstairs and just don't want to “do the stair thing” today. Sometimes I just can't stand the sight of stairs. Today is one of them. :(

It's tiring.

]]> http://macaseesttacase.wordpress.com/?p=11 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:57:25 +0000 rwatuny http://macaseesttacase.fr.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/une-maison-de-hobbit/ [/caption]

Une magnifique maison construite de bois, de boue, de pierre et de matériaux récupérés, intégrée à son environnement.

A Low Impact Woodland Home.

Il dit : "J'ai récemment lu qu'un bon bain froid après une longue course aide à la récupération. Personnelement, j'ai toujours été un amateur de longues douches chaudes mais après avoir pris mon courage à deux mains, je me suis coulé un bain froid après mon entraînement de 23 kilomètres. Ça m'a pris quelques minutes pour submerger mes jambes au complet sous l'eau mais j'ai ressenti assez rapidement les effets soulageants du froid et les 20 minutes se sont écoulées très rapidement.

J'ai été surpris de l'amélioration de ma récuparation et de l'énergie que j'avais lors de l'entraînement suivant."

Je confirme. Tout d'abord c'est pas si terrible que ça, on s'y habitue vite et puis c'est vrai qu'on se sent bien après être sorti!

A systématiser !

When I got back to the CHU, I hopped in bed fully intent to read and complete a lesson in my latest on line continuing ed course. I read most of the lesson, the abruptly opened my eyes to see my laptop precariously balanced on my chest. I have no idea how long I was out, but it was about 8:30 PM. As they say in the mixed martial arts world, I tapped out. I powered down both the laptop and myself and crashed hard. Next thing I knew it was 7:45 AM and time to get up. Man oh man, what a hard, hard sleep. I haven't been that exhausted in weeks.

So I apologize for not writing yesterday, but had I written, it would have been even more incoherent than usual. Today was a more energetic day. I am now somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 days plus or minus from coming home! We also had a pizza party at work tonight. The Lieutenant Colonel (who was formerly the full Colonel) has been in charge while our normal supervisor has been on leave. He wanted to thank us for the hard work over the last two weeks and bought pizza for us and the other sections he supervises.

While we were having pizza, he asked each of us to tell a little bit about themselves. Some said more than others. One guy was formerly in the British Army for 23 years and told a couple of hilarious stories. One was from 1997 when he was in Northern Ireland. Back then the bad guys had a tactic of using white cargo vans to ride around looking for British checkpoints and as they drove past the checkpoint, they'd open up the back doors and shoot everyone with a machine gun they had in the back. He was placed on a team to hunt down these vans and interdict them. He and three other guys were inserted via helicopter into the outskirts of a small town. As they maneuvered their way closer to town, they noticed a white van on the edge of the city parked. They began observing it closely. Sure enough, people were trickling to and fro from the van on this dark and rainy night. Time for action. He ordered his small band of men to get ready to assault the van...normally they would have had more people, but there was no time for that.

He positioned his machine gunner in a spot with direct line of sight on the back door. If they opened, he was to open fire on the back. The leader took one side of the van with rifle ready while his men covered him. As he yanked opened the side door, he screemed, "This is the Army. Don't move!". The ladies in the van laughed and said, "Is that fiction or non-fiction?". He had just successfully raided a mobile video rental van. In fact the van had closed circuit cameras on it and the next week the photo of him with his rifle armed and ready to storm the van was in the Irish newspaper with the caption, "What video was he really wanting?". Good enemy propaganda. To this day his buddies give him a hard time about that story.

Another story was from a couple of years back here in Baghdad. He is a private security contractor now and was part of a convoy escorting some cargo trucks from Baghdad southwards. They were stuck in traffic. Now for those who don't know, getting stuck in traffic here is virtually a death sentence. You've got to be careful. Pedestrians will walk up to your vehicle and shoot you in the head or toss an explosive through your window. Cars from behind or beside will ram you and then try to drag you out for ransom or worse. And then there's the suicide bomber in a vehicle. On top of that there are snipers and ambushes to dodge. Stuck just isn't an option. Forward motion is the only way to roll. Nonetheless stuck is stuck and stuck they were. They were stuck for about two hours to the point where the Brit was falling asleep at the wheel. The Iraqi travelling with him awoke him to tell him the cargo truck in front of them finally moved forward. He looked and saw it had advanced a 100 meters or so but that was it. He said, "We're not going anywhere. We'll wait right here till it unlocks some more." Traffic indeed was still halted and about 30 seconds after he made that statement a mortar round landed right where they would have been stuck had he pulled forward. They survived on his gut instinct and strength to rest.

Sometimes its hard to stop and requires more strength than moving forward, whether its in work or in an argument, or a number of interactions with people and situations. Though I missed communicating with everyone yesterday, the rest I got was terrific and I am stronger for the last 30 days because of it. Thanks for reading. Please hang with me 30 more days...we're almost to the finish line!

Je vous avais présenté le 29 juin dernier le travail de Piet Hein Eek, jeune designer hollandais terriblement intéressant. Dans le cadre du London Design Festival, j'ai pu découvrir deux magnifiques expositions consacrées à ce remarquable batave, issu de la prestigieuse Design Academy de Eindhoven. L'une, aujourd'hui terminée, dévoilait un ensemble de ses dessins d'études, d'une précision sensible et d'un naturel déconcertant, semblant tout droit sorti du carnet de croquis jauni d'un ébéniste des années 50. L'autre présente un ensemble de meubles, vaisselle et luminaires, et reste visible jusqu'au 31 octobre 2008 à la gallerie Rabie Hage.

Les meubles présentés révèlent une beauté inouïe, façonnés avec finesse, délicatesse et intelligence. Face à l'élégant "Waste Cabinet in Scrapwood", on reste ému. Devant ses simplissimes chaises "bucketseat", on s'arrête subjugué. Une sensation tout à fait troublante qui peut être assimilée à l'émotion ressentie face à une œuvre d'art.

Oui, c'est un artiste, Eek…

Pour faire plus ample connaissance avec lui, voici une vidéo d'Arte consacrée à Piet Hein Eek.

First of all, after exercising:

My bionic knee was not swollen nor painful.

The flexibility was very good after exercising.

I felt like I had a good workout.

I was very proud of myself.

Fast forward a couple of hours, after not icing:

My knee was more swollen than usual.

My knee was stiffer than usual.

There were more lingering pains than I had experienced before.

I experienced pain in the middle of the night.

I could not sleep properly, due to this pain. (I usually don't have pain during my sleep time)

I was not a happy camper.

Moral of story: Icing is necessary after a workout on a tkr knee – even seven months after surgery.

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=316 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:35:03 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/isometric-straight-leg-lifts-tkr/ Here is one of the exercises I was given by both my physical therapist and doctor's clinic to help with my total knee replacement recuperation. Believe me, it's a doozie when first attempted! (meaning....hard, hard work) It's easier and more fun to read about it than actually do it – but where does that get you? :(

Isometric Straight Leg Lifts

1. Begin lying on your back with your legs fully extended.

2. With the leg straight, left the leg so that the hell is 12” off the floor.

3. Your toes (foot) should be pulled back toward your knee.

4. Hold your leg in this position for a full 10 seconds.

5. After 10 seconds, lower your leg and repeat the exercise with the opposite leg.

6. Continue to alternate legs until you have done 30 lifts on each leg.

7. This program should be done twice a day (two times).

When it becomes easy to do 30 leg lifts twice per day, add 2-1/2 pounds of weight to each ankle. Continue to exercise in the same manner as above. Continue to increase the weight as it becomes necessary, usually 2-1/2 pounds every 7-14 days.

Week 1 – no weight to 2-1/2 pound weights

Week 2 – 2-1/2

Week 3 – 2-1/2 to 5

Week 4 – 5

Week 5 – 5 to 7-1/2

Week 6 - 7-1/2

Do not expect results in 2-3 days. It usually takes 3-4 weeks before you notice any improvement.

Be patient and do the exercises faithfully.

If you develop soreness or irritation due to the exercise program, use ICE for 30 minutes following each exercise session.

Originally Published by:

Virginia Mason/Department of Surgery

Section of Orthopedic Surgery

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=314 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:21:38 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/its-the-small-steps-tkr/ Throughout a total knee replacement recuperation there are times when it seems that all the exercise and hard work just does not seem to be doing anything except cause pain and discomfort. You do not see results and it's so easy to get frustrated. Well, this blog post is intended to provide hope and cheer for every person going through recuperation from a tkr. Why?

I'm coming up on seven months after my total knee replacement surgery. My recuperation has involved exercise of some sort every day, sometimes more than others. And, just the other day as I was laying down at night my mind wondered to the time period involved since my surgery. Every tkr patient probably goes through the same steps, only at different times. Here is what I came up with:

It dawned on me that just within the last week, I can lay my leg flat against a surface (usually my mattress or couch) and there is DECREASED PAIN! Sometimes, there is no pain AT ALL!! This is after suffering from pain of different strengths affecting my hamstring for months and months. For the first few months, I could not even straighten my leg - as previously mentioned.

My leg can easily be moved off of the bed. Immediately after surgery, I could not lift my leg at all. Zilch. And, for the first few weeks after my tkr, my muscles needed to be strengthened enough to allow me to do something as simple as that. In fact, physical therapy dealt with many of these exercises. The exercises were exceptionally painful at first. Now, my leg can be moved as if it is second nature. Wow. That's huge.

My leg can be bent outwards while laying down. This means that I can bend my knee enough to stretch my inner thigh muscles. This couldn't be done before.

There was a time when it took all of my strength to simply lift my leg onto a step. (In fact, that is a physical therapy exercise). Now, the effort is much less. Of course, some days are better than others.

My knee can be straightened out. This was a concern with my surgeon since I had a definite bend in it immediately after surgery. I had worn an inch shoe lift for 30 years and it was now showing in my muscle structure. This is a HUGE improvement for me and I am thrilled by it. :)

My gait is “normal”. Now, I feel my ankle and knee “swing” like a regular walker. It's fun and entertaining, actually. :) Prior to my surgery, I couldn't do this. This took TONS of work to accomplish, however. And, it still needs worked on.

The back of my knee touches (lays flat against)  the surface I am laying on. Whooppeee!!! This is another HUGE improvement to me. :)

Even though I have a ways to go in fully recuperating from my total knee replacement surgery, it is progressing. It's a lot of small steps, a lot of pain and discomfort, and sometimes a lot of frustration – but it's worth it.

It's the small steps that add up to the big accomplishments. :)

So, I have received feedback from some readers and friends who expressed concern that perhaps I had been doing too much exercise while still recuperating from a total knee replacement. I like to always remember my physical therapist as telling me that a great way to tell if I overdid any exercise was to follow this indicator: If I was in pain for two hours after exercise...I was overdoing it. Funny thing was...I was not in pain for two hours after my exercise regime. I felt fine over than seeing increased swelling. The pain and stiffness, plus other symptoms, set in later - like a day later. Interesting....It's not that I'm doubting my physical therapist, I trust her totally. It's just interesting to me.

Well, here's the scoop. (And, if my doctor is reading this, my friend did this – not me. I'm just relaying the information.)

I overdid it. Recently, I acquired an excellent exercise bike that I just love. So, I turned on the television to the NHL Network and watched a repeat of Game 5 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals. I started riding my bike the last five minutes of the game. Perfect timing, I thought. My goal was to ride my bike until the end of the game. Turns out that wasn't a very good goal.

The Detroit Red Wings were winning in the last minute of play. I'm counting down to victory. Then...the Pittsburgh Penguins scored and tied the game – in the last 35 seconds. I had totally forgotten about that originally happening. Then, the game went into overtime periods. I was still riding my bike, oblivious to everything but the television screen.

Yes, I was going slow and taking numerous breaks. However, my five minute ride turned into – more minutes than I care to admit to.

At least I've solved the case of my total knee replacement knee and am gutsy (or stupid) enough to admit it to others who may be going through the same thing.

Moral of story: If you're going to ride your exercise bike during a hockey game, be sure it's not during an overtime game of the Stanley Cup Final – repeat or original broadcast.

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=289 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:55:15 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/no-fancy-tools-needed/ After having just finished a chapter in my book, I think it would be a good idea to blog about it. It is tied directly into recuperating from a total knee replacement.

30 years ago...When I was in a body cast, I learned to dress myself with my feet. (You do what you have to do). The task was not easy, but I did it. And, it may have been time consuming, but who cares? One doesn't move too fast while in a body cast, anyways. :)

Skip to this year....While going through the pre-op tkr class, an occupational therapist introduced all of us patients to different contraptions that were designed to help us with the recuperation process. I remember, in particular, a grabber that came in different lengths. So many of these items are just downright unnecessary – in my opinion.

Granted, some people cannot use all of their faculties and definitely benefit from these devices. However, others who do have their faculties just rely on these mechanisms because: 1) they don't know otherwise; or 2) they don't want to put forth the effort.

It takes work to use your toes as a dressing tool. It also uses your muscles and helps your pocketbook.

Using your toes as fingers is actually kind of fun once you get the hang of it. :)

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=281 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:24:16 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/09/19/better-patient-preparation-for-tkr-needed/ Prior to having a total knee replacement, some hospitals offer a pre-op tkr class. Potential patients see the actual knee implant, learn about pre-surgery preparation, and have questions answered. Mine was a good class.

However, there is no preparation for the - at times - frustrating, lengthy recuperation process after a total knee replacement surgery. I was told my knee would be swollen for 2-3 months. So, I didn't give it much thought about all that recuperation entails. I just knew I'd have to keep doing exercises to increase my knee's flexibility.

It's been 7.5 months since my tkr, and the last couple of days have not been fun. I know it could be much worse. However, sometimes my knee is painful just from walking. It is more swollen at times, more than usual. My balance is easily off. My lower back is painful. Going down stairs seems to be more difficult. Other times I can lift my leg higher to have more “bounce” in my downstairs journey. Not the past couple of days. In other words....it's discouraging.

All I was doing earlier today is walking around the enclosed shopping mall. How hard can that be? Well, it seemed to be. And, I'll still ride my exercise bike in a few.

I don't like to complain because I'm grateful for having the surgery. I just don't understand why the recuperation process is so time consuming. I can see if I didn't do any exercises and just layed around having others waiting on me. However, I don't do that. I exercise regularly.

I believe there needs to be a better preparation process for the new tkr patient to prepare us for recuperation.

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=277 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:10:53 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/resistance-bands-a-tkr/ While going through physical therapy, I noticed different colored bands tied around the parallel bars. It turns out that these bands were known as resistance bands. They were in bright colors and I stated I wanted a red one. “This isn't a fashion show, Marie,” is what I heard. The physical therapist then went on to tell me that different colors signify different strengths. Something new was learned that day by me. :)

Anyways, one exercise involved putting the band around my knee area and pulling my leg out sideways. The other end of the band is around a table leg, or stationary bar. Ouch. The band kept bunching together like a rope around my knee. Another exercise involved pulling my leg backwards (with the band around my knee). Again....big time ouch.

The one exercise that worked great using resistance bands was:

Sitting on a chair, putting the band around both ankles, separating the legs, then return. It's great for the outer knee and leg area.

As can be seen, these resistance bands are used for strengthening muscles and providing resistance training – some people love them. I have found them useful, also, in upper arm exercises. Simply placing them over the hands and pulling outwards is a great pull. And, the bands don't have a chance to bunch up like they do in my knee exercises.

I'm sure there are many other uses for resistance bands, these are the only ones that I am familiar with – mainly because of my tkr.  I am not an expert in this field. :)

Why am I telling this? I was looking over my notes regarding recuperating from a total knee replacement and noticed a reminder to myself to include a blog post about this subject. It is a writing trigger, though not too subtle. :) Hope you enjoyed it.

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=274 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:48:01 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/balance-issues-a-total-knee-replacement/ Something strange and perplexing has been happening lately. There will be times when I move and suddenly lose my balance. It is not extreme, only a simply side step. To someone who didn't know any better, it might appear as if I had been drinking too much alcohol.

I don't understand why it's happening, either. It's been 7 months, 1 week since my total knee replacement surgery.

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=261 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:24:53 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/09/11/stairways-and-a-total-knee-replacement/ Funny things happen while recuperating from a total knee replacement. Suddenly, things are noticeable that were just taken for granted before. Let me explain....

Prior to my total knee replacement, stairs were stairs. I had to go up or down them. They provided a challenge, but they were just stairs.

Now... I notice the difference in the spaces between the stairs. One staircase is more challenging than another one simply due to the fact that more flexibility is required of my knee. How funny is that? (At least I'm entertained by it. :) )

Case in point...The office building I go into has two staircases. If I take the back entrance, it is easier for me to go up and down the stairs. I notice going downstairs requires less of a knee stretch than the front entrance.  The back entrance stairway has less space between the stairs than the front entrance.

The front entrance stairway is a challenge all around for me. When I take that stairway, if there is anyone behind me – I hope they packed a lunch. (That means I take awhile.) I'm a slower than the average bear stair user.

Stair railings are another area of concern to the knee replacement patient. In preparation of going up or down the stairs, one needs to remember which side are the railings on? (And, if the stairs do not have railings while you are recuperating from a total knee replacement – GOOD LUCK!! I wouldn't even contemplate using them.)

Woohoo!!  (I'm kind of wondering if I should let the cat out of the bag since it'll probably swell back up tomorrow. :) )

... Et très câlin, de nos trois loulous, dans leur douillette et récente maison de récup. Voici les premières photos prises à l'instant, des trois réunis dans un espace réduit.

Pour la petite histoire, cette maison, fabriquée avec deux trois bouts de ficelle et autres matériels de récupération, est devenue leur principal lieu de séjour ; ils en sont totalement fous.

Composition de notre maison : un gigantesque panier à chien sur pieds en osier (acheté 1 franc suisse sur Ricardo), un vieux matelas futon d'appoint doublé, un séchoir à linge tout simple et un bout de dessus de lit.

Située comme elle est, les loulous semblent se sentir à l'abri dans cette maison qui a un toit, tout en restant en plein cœur de l'activité de la maison.

Ils adorent, nous aussi ; bref, on ne peut que recommander à tout le monde d'en faire autant.

Les trois loulous de loin.

Minette qui pose.

Ca y est, enfin tout le monde m'a repéré.

Il y a du bruit dehors...

Tout le monde pose, ou presque.

Les deux amoureux ; langoureux ou endormis ?

Voyez le dessous du toit.

Charlie qui baîlle à s'en décrocher la mâchoire.

While I was going through physical therapy, one of the exercises involved walking backwards on the treadmill. Actually, the treadmill was set in reverse with a decline mode. This exercise was intended to work on my hamstrings. I could always feel it doing the job. It was great!

So, while walking recently, I noticed I was walking downhill to get onto my regular flat, paved course (aka motorcycle training course - which I talked about in a previous blog post). See, I live on an incline...on a hill. The drive up to my place is all paved, which makes it extra convenient. It's an even pavement, with no potholes or sudden changes in footing. It is absolutely perfect for a total knee replacement recuperation exercise. It's a gradual incline of about 10-15 degrees. (It's funny how things are suddenly appearing as potential recuperation devices. :) )

That treadmill exercise came to mind recently, so I decided to start walking up the hill backwards. It's a fantastic exercise!

Walking around the motorcycle course 5 times, then 3 times up (backwards) and down the hill takes about 30 minutes. It's a wonderful exercise program, if I say so myself. :) And, my knee loves it.

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=243 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:14:26 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/go-karting-tkr-recuperation/ During the Labor Day weekend, there was an opportunity to partake in what is known to be a fun activity. That fun activity is go karting Well, when presented with the offer, I took it on and viewed it as an experiment.

My experiment consisted of a variety of questions that needed answered. They were:

• Will my tkr knee be flexible enough to ride in a go kart?

• Will I be able to get in and out of the vehicle without any concern?

• Will I be able to ride comfortably in one?

• And, finally.....

• What will the experience be like?

The go kart course was on a friend's property, so only a portion of the course was paved. The rest of it was on the grass – very small hills, and flat surfaces. I've been go karting prior to my total knee replacement, but it was on a go kart race course...totally paved. That was great and a total blast!

Findings? Mixed emotions. To answer the above questions:

• My knee was flexible enough to ride in a go kart. There was no pain at all. Nice. :)

• Getting in and out of the go kart was much easier than I had imagined. I just took my time.

• Riding in the go kart, for the most part, was comfortable. The braking started to take a toll, but that was only near the end of my ride. (The brake was using my bionic knee leg – left one).

I believe the ride would have been more fun on a totally paved, flat surface. The many tight turns on the grass hills (very minor) was rather unnerving at times. I kept picturing the go kart as tipping over.

• Overall, the experience was fun. My ride was only about 5-10 minutes. I wasn't up to going on the longer route, since my knee was telling me to stop after that time period. I was content taking the “beginner” course to basically get used to the go kart. That was enough for me.

What was strange to me is the fact that I got rather dizzy after it was done. It wasn't like I was zipping along, either. I think I was going about 2 MPH. :) Never let it be said I'm not a daredevil.

At the end of this experiment, I was pooped. My knee did swell up a little, but.it was no big deal. BTW: In four days it'll be 7 months since my total knee replacement surgery was done.

Results: I'll wait awhile to do it again.

]]> http://booktoots.wordpress.com/?p=238 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:19:15 +0000 booktoots http://booktoots.fr.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/total-knee-replacement-concerns/ I don't understand. I know exercise is important while recuperating from a total knee replacement. So, I exercise and my knee gets more swollen and stiff. Then, I elevate and ice it. Then, it gets rather stiff.

I don't understand. I hear that moving will keep my (or any tkr patient's) knee from getting stiff. So, I move. My knee still gets stiff.

I just don't understand. Why does my knee get stiff whether I move or keep still? (It's not that I can't move it...it just sometimes takes time to get flexible.)

]]> http://longingruquc.wordpress.com/?p=7 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:19:04 +0000 longingruquc http://longingruquc.fr.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/longing-for-past-and-future-freedoms/ I've been spending much of my recuperation time on our living room couch, watching life spinning around me as I rest and read. At some point, having seen several things that caught my fancy, I brought my camera over, thinking it might ...
woodenhue.blogspot.com

Still, this day is better than the pain I had prior to my total knee replacement.  :)

Currently, I am hanging out with a couple of small dogs that have a tendency to be rather hyper. "Rather" is a loose term in this case. Anyways, I was curious as to how it would be to put them on a leash and go for a walk. I wanted to see how challenged my knee would be. It was a great idea! (If I say so myself...:) )

I consider this dog walking exercise as a form of resistance training since one of the critters was forever and a day having me use my leg muscles to stand in place. He was pulling like crazy on the leash. I could feel my leg muscles working and it was great. So, we all went walking for 30 minutes and had a grand old time.

When we returned, I was pooped and sweating. My knee was swollen (what else is new?) and needed iced. So, after a nice shower, I positioned myself in a recliner with an ice pack on my knee. With this laptop, my leg stretched out, and hockey on tv – what a day! (Yes, I know that's an incomplete sentence.)

And...the best part....the hyper dogs are totally pooped. Snoozeville for all! Ahh....peace and quiet.

Oh, oh....gotta go....one just woke up!  Nice....he's back to sleep...:)

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